The Gray Area with Sean Illing Paul Krugman on climate, robots, single-payer, and so much more
Dec 12, 2019
In this conversation, Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist, dives into crucial topics like the role of economists in the climate debate and the political landscape of Medicare-for-all. He shares his views on why Pete Buttigieg is mistaken about tuition-free college and critiques Andrew Yang's stance on automation. Krugman also discusses the healthcare successes and failures of the ACA, the dangers of means testing versus universal programs, and what it takes to revitalize struggling economies across America.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ACA's Conservative Approach
- The Affordable Care Act's (ACA) strategy involved preserving much of the existing healthcare system.
- This approach aimed to minimize disruption and secure support from those already on private insurance.
ACA's Strategy: Appeasement and Incrementalism
- The ACA aimed to appease the insurance industry by increasing their business, avoiding strong opposition.
- It also acknowledged the public's resistance to radical change, particularly those content with their private insurance.
Constraints on Healthcare Reform
- Public resistance to healthcare disruption stems from a dislike of change, potentially fueled by industry campaigns and political rhetoric.
- Some argue that public opinion is shaped by elite views, suggesting that if influential figures supported radical change, the public would follow.
